ADHD medication map
Check whether you can bring your ADHD medication into the countries and ports you'll visit, what evidence you need, and how to ask for permission.
Always check before you travel
Rules change often and can depend on your nationality, how long you stay and how much you carry. Use this map as a starting point, then confirm with the official authority linked for each country, or the country's embassy. This is not legal or medical advice.
Map key
Choose a colour to highlight those countries on the map and in the list below.
Countries
16 countries
AustraliaAllowed with documents
You can bring up to three months of prescribed ADHD medication. Declare it on arrival.
Rules by medication in Australia Methylphenidate Allowed with documents Amphetamine-based Allowed with documents Non-stimulants Allowed with documents How much: Up to 3 months
Evidence to carry
- Your prescription, or a copy
- A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis, medication, dose and the amount you're carrying
- Medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging
How to get permission
- Declare controlled medicines on your incoming passenger card.
- For more than three months, contact the Office of Drug Control.
Australian Office of Drug Control Last checked October 2026 (awaiting verification)
ChinaBanned
Amphetamine-based medicines are banned. Methylphenidate is tightly controlled. Check with the Chinese embassy well before you travel.
Rules by medication in China Methylphenidate Check before you travel Amphetamine-based Banned Non-stimulants Allowed with documents Evidence to carry
- Your prescription, or a copy
- A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis, medication, dose and the amount you're carrying
- Medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging
- A medical certificate from a hospital or doctor
How to get permission
- Contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in advance and carry only the amount you need.
INCB: country regulations for travellers Last checked October 2026 (awaiting verification)
GermanyPermission needed first
Stimulants are classed as narcotics. Bring a Schengen certificate, or from outside Schengen a certified copy of your prescription and a doctor's letter.
Rules by medication in Germany Methylphenidate Permission needed first Amphetamine-based Permission needed first Non-stimulants Allowed with documents How much: Up to 30 days
Evidence to carry
- A Schengen certificate (Article 75) for each controlled medicine, stamped by the authority in your home Schengen country
- Your prescription, or a copy
- A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis, medication, dose and the amount you're carrying
- Medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging
How to get permission
- From outside Schengen, follow the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) guidance and carry a certified doctor's statement.
BfArM: travelling with narcotics Last checked October 2026 (awaiting verification)
GreeceCheck before you travel
Controlled medicines need a Schengen certificate, or from outside Schengen a certified prescription. Check amphetamine-based medicines in advance.
Rules by medication in Greece Methylphenidate Permission needed first Amphetamine-based Check before you travel Non-stimulants Allowed with documents How much: Up to 30 days
Evidence to carry
- A Schengen certificate (Article 75) for each controlled medicine, stamped by the authority in your home Schengen country
- Your prescription, or a copy
- A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis, medication, dose and the amount you're carrying
- Medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging
How to get permission
- Contact the Greek National Organisation for Medicines (EOF) before you travel if you take amphetamine-based medication.
EOF: National Organisation for Medicines Last checked October 2026 (awaiting verification)
Hong KongCheck before you travel
Controlled medicines may need an import licence from the Department of Health. Carry a doctor's certificate and only what you need.
Rules by medication in Hong Kong Methylphenidate Check before you travel Amphetamine-based Check before you travel Non-stimulants Allowed with documents Evidence to carry
- Your prescription, or a copy
- A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis, medication, dose and the amount you're carrying
- Medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging
How to get permission
- Check with the Department of Health Drug Office before you travel.
Hong Kong Drug Office Last checked October 2026 (awaiting verification)
IndonesiaBanned
Amphetamine-based medicines are treated as illegal narcotics, even with a foreign prescription. Check methylphenidate with the embassy before you travel.
Rules by medication in Indonesia Methylphenidate Check before you travel Amphetamine-based Banned Non-stimulants Allowed with documents Evidence to carry
- Your prescription, or a copy
- A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis, medication, dose and the amount you're carrying
- Medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging
How to get permission
- Contact the Indonesian embassy, or the food and drug authority (BPOM), well before you travel.
INCB: country regulations for travellers Last checked October 2026 (awaiting verification)
IrelandAllowed with documents
Prescribed ADHD medication can be brought in for personal use. From Schengen countries, bring a Schengen certificate.
Rules by medication in Ireland Methylphenidate Allowed with documents Amphetamine-based Allowed with documents Non-stimulants Allowed with documents How much: Up to 30 days from Schengen countries
Evidence to carry
- A Schengen certificate (Article 75) for each controlled medicine, stamped by the authority in your home Schengen country
- Your prescription, or a copy
- A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis, medication, dose and the amount you're carrying
- Medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging
How to get permission
- Travelling from outside Schengen, carry your prescription and doctor's letter.
gov.ie: travelling with prescribed controlled drugs Last checked October 2026 (awaiting verification)
JapanBanned
Amphetamine-based medicines such as Adderall and dexamfetamine are banned, even with a prescription. Lisdexamfetamine needs an import certificate for any amount. Methylphenidate is allowed up to 30 days, with a certificate for more.
Rules by medication in Japan Methylphenidate Allowed with documents Amphetamine-based Banned Non-stimulants Allowed with documents How much: Methylphenidate: up to 30 days without a certificate
Evidence to carry
- Your prescription, or a copy
- A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis, medication, dose and the amount you're carrying
- Medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging
How to get permission
- Apply for an import certificate (Yakkan Shoumei) from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare at least two weeks before you arrive.
- Carry a printed copy of the certificate when you go through customs.
MHLW: bringing medicines into Japan Last checked October 2026 (awaiting verification)
NetherlandsPermission needed first
Stimulants count as controlled medicines. Travellers from Schengen countries need a Schengen certificate. From outside Schengen, you need an English-language medical statement, legalised in your home country.
Rules by medication in Netherlands Methylphenidate Permission needed first Amphetamine-based Permission needed first Non-stimulants Allowed with documents How much: Up to 30 days with a Schengen certificate
Evidence to carry
- A Schengen certificate (Article 75) for each controlled medicine, stamped by the authority in your home Schengen country
- Your prescription, or a copy
- A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis, medication, dose and the amount you're carrying
- Medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging
How to get permission
- From a Schengen country, ask your doctor to complete the Schengen certificate and have it stamped by your national authority.
- From outside Schengen, get a medical statement and have it legalised before you travel.
CAK: travelling with medicines Last checked October 2026 (awaiting verification)
QatarCheck before you travel
Get approval from the Ministry of Public Health before you travel, or declare controlled medicines on arrival with your prescription and medical report.
Rules by medication in Qatar Methylphenidate Permission needed first Amphetamine-based Check before you travel Non-stimulants Allowed with documents Evidence to carry
- Your prescription, or a copy
- A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis, medication, dose and the amount you're carrying
- Medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging
- An original medical report
How to get permission
- Apply to the Ministry of Public Health in advance where possible.
- Otherwise, declare your medication at customs on arrival.
Qatar Ministry of Public Health Last checked October 2026 (awaiting verification)
Saudi ArabiaCheck before you travel
Travellers must register listed medicines, including ADHD stimulants, with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority before arriving or leaving.
Rules by medication in Saudi Arabia Methylphenidate Permission needed first Amphetamine-based Check before you travel Non-stimulants Allowed with documents Evidence to carry
- Your prescription, or a copy
- A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis, medication, dose and the amount you're carrying
- Medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging
How to get permission
- Request electronic clearance through the SFDA Controlled Drug System before you travel.
SFDA Controlled Drug System Last checked October 2026 (awaiting verification)
SingaporePermission needed first
Controlled ADHD medicines need approval from the Health Sciences Authority before you arrive.
Rules by medication in Singapore Methylphenidate Permission needed first Amphetamine-based Permission needed first Non-stimulants Allowed with documents How much: Check the amount allowed when you apply
Evidence to carry
- Your prescription, or a copy
- A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis, medication, dose and the amount you're carrying
- Medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging
How to get permission
- Apply to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) at least two weeks before you arrive.
HSA: travelling with medication Last checked October 2026 (awaiting verification)
South KoreaBanned
Controlled ADHD medicines need approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety before you arrive. Amphetamine-based medicines face very strict controls and may be refused.
Rules by medication in South Korea Methylphenidate Permission needed first Amphetamine-based Banned Non-stimulants Allowed with documents How much: Usually up to 30 days, with approval
Evidence to carry
- Your prescription, or a copy
- A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis, medication, dose and the amount you're carrying
- Medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging
- A Korean or English translation of your doctor's letter
How to get permission
- Apply to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) at least two weeks before you travel.
Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Last checked October 2026 (awaiting verification)
United Arab EmiratesCheck before you travel
Controlled medicines should be approved before you arrive. Without approval you must declare them at customs. Amphetamine-based medicines may be refused.
Rules by medication in United Arab Emirates Methylphenidate Permission needed first Amphetamine-based Check before you travel Non-stimulants Allowed with documents How much: Up to 3 months
Evidence to carry
- Your prescription, or a copy
- A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis, medication, dose and the amount you're carrying
- Medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging
- An attested copy of your prescription if the original is kept by the pharmacy
How to get permission
- Apply online to the Emirates Drug Establishment at least four weeks before you travel.
- If you have no approval, use the red channel and declare your medication on arrival.
Emirates Drug Establishment Last checked October 2026 (awaiting verification)
United KingdomAllowed with documents
You can bring up to three months of prescribed ADHD medication with a doctor's letter. For more, you need a personal licence.
Rules by medication in United Kingdom Methylphenidate Allowed with documents Amphetamine-based Allowed with documents Non-stimulants Allowed with documents How much: Up to 3 months without a licence
Evidence to carry
- Your prescription, or a copy
- A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis, medication, dose and the amount you're carrying
- Medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging
How to get permission
- For more than three months, apply for a free personal import or export licence from the Home Office at least 10 working days before you travel.
GOV.UK: travelling with controlled drugs Last checked October 2026 (awaiting verification)
United StatesAllowed with documents
You can bring controlled ADHD medication for your own use with a valid prescription, and should declare it to customs.
Rules by medication in United States Methylphenidate Allowed with documents Amphetamine-based Allowed with documents Non-stimulants Allowed with documents How much: Up to 90 days
Evidence to carry
- Your prescription, or a copy
- A letter from your doctor with your diagnosis, medication, dose and the amount you're carrying
- Medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging
How to get permission
- Declare the medication to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on arrival.
US Customs and Border Protection Last checked October 2026 (awaiting verification)
No countries match. We're adding more, so check the INCB country regulations in the meantime.
Tips for seafarers
At sea, you may pass through several countries on one trip. Plan for every port, not just where you join.
- Check the rules for every port of call and every country you transit, including airports on your way to join.
- Carry medication in your hand luggage, in its original packaging, with your prescription and doctor's letter.
- Allow several weeks for permits. Some take a month.
- Tell the Master or ship's medical officer what you carry, so it can be stored and declared correctly.
- Declare your diagnosis and medication honestly at your seafarer medical.
- If a country bans your medication, talk to your prescriber about alternatives well before you sail.
Country missing or out of date?
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